HOPE RESTORED AS CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF YOLA, MCC SUPPORT 339 CONFLICT-AFFECTED FAMILIES IN LAMURDE

The Catholic Diocese of Yola, in collaboration with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), has extended humanitarian relief to 339 families affected by recent inter-communal clashes between the Bachama and Chobo communities in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The intervention, conducted on November 28, 2025, at St. Paul’s Parish Lafiya and St. Michael’s Parish Gyawana, was led by the Catholic Bishop of Yola, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza. The initiative forms part of the JDPC EPRT humanitarian support project targeted at vulnerable households impacted by conflict.

Families devastated by the crisis received food items, cooking materials, hygiene kits, and other essential non-food supplies meant to cushion their immediate hardships. Many beneficiaries, who lost homes, property and livelihoods, described the intervention as timely and life-saving. The distribution process was noted for its transparency, orderliness and emphasis on prioritizing the most affected households.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Mercy James, expressed deep gratitude: “The crisis destroyed everything we had. We lost our homes and means of survival. This support gives us hope again and shows that we are not forgotten.”

Beyond providing relief, the event also offered an avenue for reconciliation. Members of both the Bachama and Chobo communities publicly pledged to embrace peace, forgive past grievances, and rebuild trust. Bishop Mamza echoed this commitment, urging residents to shun violence and work collectively toward lasting harmony.

“Crisis is never the answer. Violence brings no lasting benefit. We must work together to end this cycle of hate and revenge,” he stated.

The gesture by the Catholic Diocese of Yola and MCC has been described as more than a relief effort—it is a step toward healing, restoring dignity, and reaffirming the importance of unity and compassion in rebuilding communities torn apart by conflict.

ISAAC WADAK, OFFERS FREE EYE EXAMINATION TO KABWIR COMMUNITIES

(By Walbe Ogak)

The concerns over rising eye-related ailments in Kabwir and neighboring communities received a major boost on November 22, 2025, as Care Focus, with full sponsorship from philanthropist Nde Isaac Wadak, organized a free eye examination and eyeglass distribution outreach for residents in and around Kabwir Pada.

Held at the Palace of Ngolong Kabwir, the medical outreach targeted 100 people but recorded an impressive over 136 beneficiaries, drawn from eight community settlements. The turnout exceeded expectations, reflecting strong community interest in accessible healthcare services.

Flagging off the program, Nde Isaac Wadak expressed satisfaction with the attendance and urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity to know their eye health status and prevent avoidable blindness.

Two ophthalmologists—Dr. Aboki Benjamin and Dr. Daniel Ezra—led the medical team, offering professional examinations and screenings for a wide range of eye conditions. These included: Allergy conjunctivitis, Bacterial conjunctivitis, Myopia, Mature cataract, premature cataract, and Glaucoma.

Speaking on behalf of the medical practitioners, Ophthalmologist Daniel Ezra highlighted the importance of early detection, noting that the outreach provided timely intervention for many residents who had never undergone an eye test.

Similarly, the Ngolong Tuwan, Nde Tongshinen Genka, who spoke unbehalf of the traditional rulers, commended Nde Isaac Wadak for his generosity and consistency in supporting community wellbeing.

The outreach recorded several key benefits:

High Attendance: With 136 participants, the program surpassed its attendance target, demonstrating effective mobilization and growing health awareness.

Broad Reach: Covering eight communities ensured wide access to professional eye care services.

Expertise: The involvement of seasoned ophthalmologists improved the quality and credibility of examinations.

Timely Diagnosis: Beneficiaries received early detection of various eye conditions, allowing for immediate medical advice and treatment.

In the end, the Care Focus Outreach Program, sponsored by Nde Isaac Wadak, proved to be a highly successful initiative—bringing hope, clarity, and improved vision to many residents of Kabwir and its surrounding communities.